Todd Wants Key's Face

Todd: *he still waits. They were taking a while. Was Sarah even there?* ...

meanwhile

Sam: Hey, once again - you're my best friend, Sarah. <:)

Key: *notices the open window* ... *sets the plate down on Sarah's bed and walks over, looking outside* Sarah? Are you up there?

meanwhile

Sarah: <:) *extends a hand to help him up* Do you need help getting back in your room, or are you okay?

Todd: *still waiting. Worry creases his brow*

meanwhile

Sam: I'm fine - you go, okay? :)

Key: ... *climbs out of the window and looks up on the roof--she's not there either* ... *climbs back into the room, and goes out into the hallway* She's gone.

meanwhile

Sarah: Okay. :) I'll tell you how it goes, I guess... bye! *runs off, hopping back across the roofs towards her house*

Todd: *he slowly stands up out of his chair, his worried expression completely frozen in place* ... what?

meanwhile

Sam: ... *he watches her leave, then carefully slips back into his room*

Key: She's not in her room, Todd! she must've run off again... D:>

meanwhile

Sarah: *runs back across the rooftops as fast as she can, trying to get home as soon as possible--if her parents had noticed she was gone, they were probably going crazy looking for her*

Todd: Where... where would she run to? Anywhere? Would she have run AWAY...??

Key: I don't know, maybe she ran to Harry's-- *turns around when she hears a thump in the room behind her*

Sarah: *stands there awkwardly in the middle of the room, looking at the floor. she knew she was in trouble*

Todd: !! *he runs up the stairs, and sees Sarah there* ... oh g - Sarah... y-you ran off...

Sarah: *keeps her eyes glued to the floor, fearing what could happen if she looked her dad in the eyes* ...

Key: Sarah... You know better than that... D:>

Sarah: *mumbled* I know...

Todd: *he lightly pushes past Key and enters the room* ...

Sarah: *averts her eyes to the wall and silently pleads for Todd to not come closer* ...

Key: *lets him go past without protest--he needed to reconcile with her* ...

Todd: *he steps closer, and closer, until he stood about a foot away from Sarah, looking down at her* ...

Sarah: *squeezes her eyes shut, tensing up*

Key: ...

Todd: ... *silently, he pulls her into a hug, never looking away from her*

Sarah: *stays frozen for a moment, then allows her forehead to rest on Todd's shoulder. he didn't deserve what she said to him...* ...

Key: ...

Todd: *quietly* ... are you still scared of me?

Sarah: ... *shakes her head, slowly moving her arms up to hug him back* I'm sorry... I-I'm so sorry...

Todd: *just hugs her a little bit tighter, still quiet* ... it's okay now, Sarah... we're both okay now...

Sarah: *hugs him more tightly, hating the fact that she could feel the tears coming back on* I-I should've thought before I said anything... I d-didn't mean any of it...

up

Todd: ... n-not very long...

meanwhile

Sam: ...What...? To who? Why? D:>

Key: Exactly... And you hurt me more then than you did to her yesterday, and THAT wasn't your fault either. You just have to give her some time, Todd...

meanwhile

Sarah: T-To dad... I w-was just being s-scared, and stupid...

Todd: *sniffling* ... Like three years...?

meanwhile

Sam: ... What did you say...? D:>

Key: ...she can cancel the order whenever she wants to... she'll see you when she's ready...

meanwhile

Sarah: ... *wipes the tears off her face with the back of her hand and tries to contain her sobs so she can explain* ...I b-basically called him a murderer....

Todd: *he nods, shaking, shivering. Though he was calm now, he was still broken* ...

meanwhile

Sam: ... Sarah... D:>

Key: ... *kisses him, then puts her arms back around him, running one hand back and forth through his hair, trying her best to comfort him* ...

meanwhile

Sarah: I-I-I didn't mean it, it just came out, I w-wasn't... *trails off and starts sobbing again-- she knew how much her words had hurt him, and she was filled to the brim with regret*

Todd: *he is limp in her arms. No longer crying, but feeling very numb. The events that had transpired played over and over and over again in his mind* ...

meanwhile

Sam: D:> ! *he hugs Sarah tightly, knowing she needed the comfort*

Key: *still running her hand through his hair* come on... it'll be okay, I promise...

meanwhile

Sarah: *she's so distraught, it takes her a moment to realize Sam was hugging her--but when she does, she hugs him back, grateful for his presence*

Todd: *quietly* ... I believe you...

meanwhile

Sam: *he holds the hug for as long as he needs to*

Key: Good... *kisses the top of his head, and rests her own head on top of his* ...

meanwhile

Sarah: *keeps ahold of him until she can't cry anymore, and her sobs degrade into pathetic sniffles* ...th-thank you...

Todd: *he was hugging her in return now* ... thank you...

meanwhile

Sam: You're my best friend, Sarah - I'm here whenever you need me. D:>

Key: Anytime... *hugs him tightly. that one, she wasn't too sure of...*

meanwhile

Sarah: I-I appreciate that... <:) *hugs him even more tightly*

Todd: *soon, he lets go of her* ... what now...?

meanwhile

Sam: Sarah. Ow. DX

Key: ...I don't know--Food. D: *runs back into the kitchen, almost positive that what she had put on the stove was burt to a crisp at that point*

meanwhile

Sarah: Oh! *loosens her grip* Sorry...

Todd: Oh! D: *he leans over in his chair to see what was going on*

meanwhile

Sam: Eheh. ^^; Do you wanna stay here for a bit, or do you think you should go back to your house? <:/

Key: *calls from farther in* It's safe! Saved it! House isn't burning down, yay.

meanwhile

Sarah: ... *completely releases Sam, bringing her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them and resting her chin on her knees* ...I don't know if i could look him in the eyes without breaking down...

Todd: Well, that's good... <:)

meanwhile

Sam: Maybe you'd feel better if you apologized to him. <:/

Key: *comes back out with a plate of french toasts* they're a little burnt, but they should be okay... *sets it down on the table, then looks up to Sarah's room* ...

meanwhile

Sarah: ...I don't think i can even TALK to him right now... you should've seen his face after I yelled at him...

Todd: *he looks in that direction as well* ... do you think she's okay...?

meanwhile

Sam: Was it that bad? D:>

Key: ... I'll go check. *puts a few pieces of french toast on Sarah's plate, then takes it upstairs, figuring she wouldn't want to come down just yet. she knocks on the door* Sarah...? Sarah, are you okay? *waits, but receives no response. she knocks again* Sarah?

meanwhile

Sarah: ... *nods*

Todd: *waits. He refuses to eat until Sarah is back with them* ...

meanwhile

Sam: ... It's not like he doesn't love you or anything, I'm sure he'll forgive you if you go back - I mean, your mom and dad might be looking for you, Sarah. D:>

Key: ... *tries the door, and is surprised to find it unlocked. she goes inside--but no Sarah* ...Sarah?

meanwhile

Sarah: ...I guess you're right... I should go, then. *stands up, and sighs* ...Thanks, Sam.

up

Todd: ... Are you scared of me?

Sarah: ...There's a reason I'm sitting over here.

Key: Sarah...

Sarah: Don't.

Key: ... *goes back into the kitchen to get the food*

Sarah: ...

Todd: *her words leave a crack in his heart* ... Sarah, I made sure to take my medicine first thing in the morning... I... I'm nothing to be scared of right now...

Sarah: That's what I thought yesterday too.

Todd: *he's getting more distressed, it shows in his voice and expression* Sarah, I'm your FATHER - I RAISED YOU WITH KEY SINCE YOU WERE A BABY! D8>

Sarah: You tried to kill me yesterday!! D:<

Key: *comes back out after she hears yelling, and watches from a distance* ...

Todd: That wasn't ME, Sarah, that was the guy who murdered CROWE - who blew up the school - but it wasn't ME! NEVER would I hurt you on purpose, Sarah - NEVER! D8>

Sarah: *stands up, nearly tipping her chair over* Don't kid yourself, dad! The ONLY reason you aren't trying to kill me right now is because YOU'RE on those pills! You were telling me you loved me as you chased me around that house, trying to convince me that the ONLY way for me to stop hurting was for me to DIE! D8<

Key: *gapes at Sarah in a shocked silence, mouth agape, completely at a loss for words*

Todd: *he stares silently at Sarah. She was... she was right... Blood made its way down his face, but Todd never noticed. He was numb - shaken by her words*

Sarah: *stands there, huffing for a moment, until she sees the blood rolling down his face. it was right then that she realized how harsh she had been. did she mean what she had said? ...no, not really. but she had said it, and she had hurt Todd, badly. She had never, ever seen him cry, not like this-- and seeing him like that only hurt her even more. she turns around and shoves the chair out of the way, and bolts up the stairs as she feels the tears coming on. she couldn't face him anymore*

Key: S-Sarah! *knows she won't be able to catch up to her before she locks herself in her room, so she turns her attention to Todd* D:>...

Todd: *he's sobbing again, his heart shattered. Sarah feared him - and for good reason. He didn't deserve her. He thought he did, but he didn't. It was over - ALL over between them. Hell, who was he kidding? He wasn't her real father anyway! Just some lunatic - some deranged killer*

Key: *walks over to him and puts her arms around him, trying to be his shoulder to cry on--Sarah's words had shocked her almost as much as they had Todd, and she was still speechless*

Sarah: *stops at the top of the stairs and glances down at her parents, and immediately wishes she hadn't--she turns back and goes into her room, slamming the door and heading straight for the window (running again, of course--it's all you do)*

Todd: *sobs against Key, his words coming out as a jumbled, blubbering mess* She - she's - she - right - she's right - I-I'm - *he sobs again*

Key: Shh, shh... she didn't know what she was saying, she didn't mean it...

meanwhile

Sarah: *climbs up on the roof, and takes off in a random direction--she doesn't know where she's going, she just wants to get as far from her house as possible*

Todd: *he wipes away some of the blood from his face, but more comes* B-but that - it doesn't - she's still right - she's RIGHT...!!

meanwhile

Sam: *staring out the window in his room*

Key: *helps him wipe the blood away with her sleeve* No, no she's not! We already talked about this, you're a good man, Todd!

meanwhile

Sarah: *though she doesn't realize it, she eventually runs as far as the Gatzsky's house and stops on their roof, out of breath and about to break down into sobs. she sits down, buries her face in her hands, and starts to cry*

Todd: D-doesn't make - make me any less - less of a MURDERER...!!

meanwhile

Sam: *hears Sarah crying outside* ...? *carefully, he opens the window, and climbs out onto the roof, carefully sitting himself next to Sarah* ... Sarah?

Key: Todd-- *puts her hands on either side of his face* Todd, look at me! You are not a murderer, that wasn't you! You know that, you said so yourself!

meanwhile

Sarah: *looks over at Sam (didn't even hear him coming... is it really that bad?), eyes already red from crying and tears streaming down her face* ...

Todd: B-But that's wh-why she's scared - scared of me - because I almost k-k-killed her...!!

meanwhile

Sam: Sarah, what's wrong? D:>

Key: Todd, she's only like that because it only just happened yesterday-- she'll calm down, I know she will! Do you remember when we were traveling to the safe zone? Remember that one time, when you attacked me because I accidentally shot you? How long did I stay afraid of you, huh?

meanwhile

Sarah: I-I-I said some horrible th-things...

up

Todd: Yeah - that was the very first thing I did this morning... *he gets out of bed, putting on his hoodie* ... so... uh... what to do today, I wonder...

Key: *sits up and stretches. today was the day they would receive confirmation on the restraining order, but that wouldn't happen until later in the day...* ...we could... try getting some family time. try.

Todd: ... I'd like that... *he gives off a pathetic hint of a smile, then opens the door out into the hall, and walks down the stairs*

Key: ... *gets out of bed and gets dressed, then goes out to get Sarah up. when she enters her room, she is surprised to find her already up and fully dressed* ...Couldn't sleep?

Sarah: *is standing in front of the window, blankly staring out of it, wondering if it was a good day to go free-running. she shakes her head when Key speaks*

Key: <:/ *walks over and puts an arm on her shoulder* I'm going to be making breakfast soon, why don't you come down?

Todd: *he sits at the kitchen table, tracing the pattern in the wood with his "eyes", growling lightly so he could see it. He wasn't really thinking at the moment*

Sarah: ...Is he still here?

Key: He took his medicine, Sarah, there's nothing to be worried about.

Sarah: ...i'll come down in a minute.

Key: Promise?

Sarah: ...Promise.

Key: ... <:/ *leaves the room, half-shutting the door behind her before heading downstairs* Todd? What do you want to eat?

Todd: Um... it doesn't matter to me... I'll just have whatever.

Key: Alright... *goes into the kitchen*

Sarah: *eventually comes downstairs, and sits down in the seat farthest away from Todd, watching him, as if she felt he would lunge at her at any moment* ...

Todd: *he looks at Sarah, watching her as well, FEELING that tension. It saddened him* ...

Sarah: *taps her fingers on the table, trying to occupy herself. she never takes her eyes off him*

Key: *makes food*

Todd: *quietly to Sarah, never taking his gaze off of her* ... I'm sorry about yesterday, Sarah...

Sarah: ... *nods* ...it shouldn't have happened, though...

Todd: ... I know it shouldn't have, Sarah... it was just a huge accident...

Sarah: *crosses her arms on the table and rests her head on them, still staring at him* ...

Todd: *presses his lips tightly together for a few long moments, then speaks again* ... how's your arm?

Sarah: It's okay. Still hurts a bit.

Todd: ... I'm sorry again...

Sarah: Mhmm...

Key: *starts setting plates out*

Todd: ... you don't believe me?

Key: ? *looks at Sarah*

Sarah: No, I believe you.

up

Todd: *he was tearing up again* ... but you CAN'T... and it's my fault... I'm so sorry, Key - sorry for EVERYTHING... EVERYTHING that I've done to you and Sarah...

Key: *looks at him, trying to hold the tears back and failing miserably. she puts her hand on his cheek and wipes his tears away with her thumb* You've tried so hard for us, Todd... that alone should be reason enough for you to stay...

Todd: *he knows that "trying hard" wasn't good enough for Sarah. He breaks down sobbing, hugging Key tightly. He didn't want to be alone again*

Key: *hugs him tightly, shedding tears of her own. she didn't want to lose him, not again...*

Todd: *between sobs* ... I... I think... I think I should take my tranquilizer now...

Key: That... that's a good idea. *loosens her hold on him so he can grab his pills*

Todd: *he scoots over and takes his pill, then moves back over to Key, his body completely relaxing* mmnh...

Key: *puts her arms around him again, one hand running through his hair, trying to calm him down. she doesn't say a word*

Todd: *silently, he cries himself to sleep*

Key: *doesn't let go of him, even after she's sure he's fallen asleep. she kisses his cheek before settling down next to him and eventually falling asleep*

*the next morning*

Todd: *the very first thing he does when he wakes up is takes his anti-psychotics. He didn't want to freak out again and hurt someone else*

Key: *still asleep, she unconsciously reaches across the bed for Todd, and frowns slightly when she doesn't find him there* ...

Todd: *looks over at Key* ... *he scoots back over to her, touching her cheek lightly with the back of his fingers* ...

Key: *relaxes, and her frown disappears* ...

Todd: *puts his arm over her again. He couldn't help but worry. What would happen today?*

Key: *wakes up after a little while, and nearly panics for a moment when she thinks she's woken up late for work, but then she remembers she doesn't need to worry about that anymore* ...good morning, Todd...

Todd: ... good morning, Key. Did you sleep okay?

Key: halfway decently... how about you?

Todd: *he shrugs* No good sleeps or bad sleeps when every sleep is a drugged sleep.

Key: Well, it's better than no sleep. Did you take your medicine?

up

Harry: *gets into bed with Claire and kisses her on the cheek* Goodnight, Claire.

meanwhile

Todd: ... that's three years... three years of not being able to see you two...

Claire: *puts an arm over him* Goodnight, Harry.

meanwhile

Key: *regretfully* I guess that's the price to pay... We'll... We'll be in Europe a lot of that time, so we wouldn't have the chance to see each other very often anyway...

Harry: *puts his arm over her as well, and soon falls asleep*

meanwhile

Todd: *holds a sad look on his face. He says absolutely nothing to Key*

Key: *glances at him but quickly looks away--she can't bear to look at him* ...we should go to bed...

Todd: *quietly* ... Okay... *he heads up the stairs, and goes enters the bedroom. From there, he gets ready for bed in the bathroom, then climbs into bed*

Key: *follows him up and waits for him to come out before taking her turn in the bathroom. when she climbs into bed, she immediately cuddles right up to him and hugs him tightly*

Todd: *for some reason, this makes him feel worse. He hugs Key back just as tightly while blood runs down his face* ...

Key: *buries her face in his shoulder* ...I-I could try talking Sarah into backing out... ending the term early... *really, really doesn't want to leave him, but her hands are tied--she can't leave Sarah either* ...

Todd: ... I don't think anything will convince her... I scared her so badly...

Key: she knows you didn't do it on purpose...

Todd: ... but she still got hurt...

Key: ...it... could've been worse...

Todd: ... I know... but I guess that's why I'm going to be separated from her soon...

Key: ... *moves up to hide her face in his neck, trying to get closer to him* ...then maybe we should just appreciate the time we have left...

Todd: Yeah... maybe we should... *he puts a hand on her cheek and leans in, kissing her. He didn't want to go. He knew he was being selfish by thinking that way, but he DIDN'T WANT TO GO... *

Key: *runs her hands through his hair, kissing him back. she didn't want him to go either, she'd stop this if she could, but Sarah came first...*

Todd: *he breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against hers* ...

Key: *doesn't move for a while, closing her eyes and just trying to enjoy being there with him... who knows when they'll be able to do anything like this again*

Todd: ... Thank you, Key... for staying with me all these years... even when I've made things hard, sometimes...

Key: *keeps her eyes closed, trying to hold back tears--it sounded like he was saying goodbye already* I'd stay many more years, Todd... I-If I could...

up

Harry: *his brow furrows with further concern* What is it?

Sam: D:

meanwhile

Todd: Well... it doesn't matter now - I pulled Sarah out of school.

Key: *holds up a finger, telling him to wait* No, she can't do that, I need this job, I can't-- *bitterly* ...Okay. Alright, fine. Never liked her anyway. Bye. *hangs up and shoves her phone back in her pocket, not saying a word--she looks furious* ...

meanwhile

Claire: *is somewhat taken aback by this* Y-You did?? D:

Harry: ... don't tell me you lost your job. D:

Sam: D:> !

meanwhile

Todd: I was sick of her bullying problem - I had just found out about it yesterday, and I was ALREADY sick of it. So now she's not going to go to that school anymore. I figured I may as well... I mean, we'll be going to Europe with you guys...

Key: *quietly, through her teeth* I won't tell you, then.

meanwhile

Claire: ...So you've made your decision, then? Are you absolutely sure?

Me: um, Sarah was taken away by a nurse, remember? XD;;;

Me: AHAHAHAHAHA shootBUCKETS.

Harry: ... I'm so sorry, Key... that... you had a legitimate reason to leave - she would really fire you for THAT?

Sam: *stands very silent*

meanwhile

Todd: Both me and Key. We're both absolutely sure.

Me: Is your memory really that bad? this happened LAST NIGHT! XDDD

Key: *bitterly* APPARENTLY, I had to notify HER directly. We all know what could've happened if i had gone "according to procedure." *muttering under her breath* Stupid, ungrateful, good for nothing dog...

meanwhile

Claire: Alright, that's good to hear--we'll have to let Harry know as soon as he comes back.

Me: ^^;

Harry: ... Do you need to live with us again, Key? If you can't find a job? D:>

Sam: ... <:/

meanwhile

Todd: Alright then. So, uh... now we wait...

Me: Lol Todd's gonna just receive this huge WAVE of bad news.

Me: Yeah, it's gonna suck. D:

Key: *calms down a bit, and sighs* ...we may have to... at least until we all head to Europe...

meanwhile

Claire: ...i hope they're doing okay...

Sam: *his mouth twitches into a frown at the mention of Europe*

Harry: It will be alright, Key. We'll help you out with financial problems until Europe, like you said. After that, I'm sure you'll be able to find a job.

meanwhile

Todd: Well... I... I didn't get Sarah anywhere... fatal... I think she's okay...

Key: *is genuinely grateful* Thank you so much...

meanwhile

Claire: ...

Me: this is dragging on a bit. can Sarah be brought back now, or can we timeskip or something?

Me: leeeet's timeskip.

AND SO, THEY ALL GO HOME

Harry: So Todd's joining us, then? On a restraining order? Will we just... somehow separate him and Sarah?

meanwhile

Todd: *because the restraining order hadn't been issued out yet, he could still stay with Key and Sarah. But he was extremely upset about it. He has yet to know about Key losing her job* Why is there gonna be a restraining order against me, Key?? I'm very carefully about my medicine - it was just ONE TIME that I forgot, and there wasn't any in te bottle anyway! D:>h

Claire: We're going to have to, if we want to avoid getting Todd arrested...

meanwhile

Sarah: *Had gone up to her room, wanting to be nowhere near Todd at the moment*

Key: *One could tell that she didn't want to go through with it either, but she had no choice* I'm trying to put Sarah's safety first, Todd. I-If this happened once, it could happen again, and I don't want to risk Sarah's life again.

Me: Watch the typos... >.>;

Me: ... the h jumped...

Harry: ... so off to bed we go... We need to schedule this thing tomorrow... gotta figure out when to actually leave... *starts walking up the stairs*

meanwhile

Todd: B-but... I-I... where would I go...??

Me: oh, i see that now. weird. o_o

Claire: Mhmm... *follows him up the stairs* It's just good to know that we have Todd and Key on board. I think they really need this, especially after this mess...

meanwhile

Key: You could stay here until the payments run out... Sarah and I will be staying with the Gatzskys.

Harry: I agree. In fact, I feel like it might feel a little nostalgic for them. In a strange sense. *enters their bedroom and takes out some nightclothes, which he promptly changes into in the bathroom*

meanwhile

Todd: ... But... but Key... d-does this mean I can't... ever see her again...? Not her OR you...?

Claire: *does the same, changing outside, and getting into bed*

meanwhile

Key: ...the restraining order only applies to Sarah... but I refuse to leave her on her own. We can see each other, but you can't come near Sarah, not until the order expires...

up

Sarah: *doesn't jump this time, but glances up at Harry* ...

Claire: ... *starts taking the handcuffs off of Todd*

Key: *hugs Sarah tightly to her, rubbing her shoulder with her thumb* ...we're going to the hospital right after this, okay Sarah?

Sarah: ... *nods*

Todd: *he does nothing, even when the handcuffs are off. He continues to stare at the ground in horror and shame* ...

Harry: *continues rubbing Sarah's back comfortingly* That's a good idea, Key. In fact, why don't you just take her right now? We can watch Todd if you want us to.

Sam: ... <:(

Key: Alright... thank you. Come on, Sarah...

Sarah: ...

Key: *looks over at Sam* Sam, do you want to come along? Get you checked out, just in case? <:/

Sam: *nods* Okay. *to Harry* Dad, can you come too, please? <:(

Harry: Sure, Sam, I'll go with you guys. <:/ *he walks over to Key and Sarah and Sam. He glances back at Todd*

Todd: ...

Harry: Let's go...

Key: <:( ... *leads Sarah out of the room, and out of the house*

Sarah: *is quiet the entire time* ...

meanwhile

Claire: ... *sighs* Here, do you want to help me move this? *nods towards the dresser that had been blocking the door*

Sam and Harry: *walk with Key and Sarah*

Harry: This could have ended much worse... we're all very lucky that Sam was able to call me and Claire.

Sam: Mmh...

meanwhile

Todd: *helps Claire* ... I'm not a bad person... I just... don't have any self control...

Key: You have no idea how grateful I am, Sam...

Sarah: he tried to kill me...

meanwhile

Claire: I believe you, Todd. *shoves the dresser into place* You just have to pay a bit more attention...

Harry: He didn't know what he was doing, Sarah... you know he'd never try to hurt you - not when he's self-aware.

Sam: It'll be okay, Sarah... D:>

meanwhile

Todd: ... I... I try... I try really hard... I KNOW what happens when I don't take my medicine - I KNOW I fall apart, I KNOW I become this murderous, terrible person... I KNOW... I just didn't realize we were out of pills this morning... I thought... I thought we still had at least ONE in there...

Sarah: ...

Key: You know they're right, Sarah. This was an accident. <:(

Sarah: [size-7]I know...[/size]

meanwhile

Claire: You should've thought of that and stayed home... <:/

Harry: ... Sarah... will you still be okay living with Todd? I'm... very VERY sorry for asking this, but... do you think that you'd want him separated from you?

Sam ! D8 *he can't BELIEVE his father is asking Sarah this - he got that Sarah was SCARED, heck, HE was still jumpy from it! But what exactly was he even ASKING HER? If she wanted to have him write up a RESTRAINING ORDER against Todd??*

meanwhile

Todd: ... I was just so angry about Sarah's bullying problem... I didn't want to just sit there, KNOWING people were hurting her, and do NOTHING about it...

Key: !! *can't believe that Harry was asking that of her, right after that happened. she understood how Sarah felt, but wasn't that a bit extreme?* D:>

Sarah: *looks at Harry, surprised, she herself caught off-guard* ...I... don't know. I don't know.

meanwhile

Claire: From what I can see, Sarah's been doing fine... I think you would all have been better off if you had waited another day...

Harry: I know Todd's a good guy, Sarah - we've been friends for nearly all our lives... it's just that... he's not the most STABLE person to safely be around... I'd hate to see something terrible happen to you, and to see him a broken HEAP because of exactly that...

Sam: ... D8> ...

meanwhile

Todd: You didn't notice that black eye she had...??

Key: Harry, I think it'd hurt them more if--

Sarah: Mom... I-I think we should do it.

Key: D:>!!

meanwhile

Claire: I saw it. You went to school with her today, right?

Harry: Key... think about it - this is for Sarah's sake... Todd scared her pretty badly today, it seems.

Sam: D:> ...

meanwhile

Todd: Yes I did... I wanted to talk to the principal about it...

Key: This was one time, Harry! D:>

Sarah: ...it was pretty bad, mom...

meanwhile

Claire: *has a thought, but doesn't want to say it out loud for fear of making Todd feel even worse--so she changes the subject* ...What did the principal say about this?

Harry: *adding on to Key* ... and it could happen AGAIN...

Sam: ... I... I agree with Dad...

meanwhile

Todd: ... he said he couldn't stop them...

Sarah: *nods in agreement*

Key: D:> ...

meanwhile

Claire: ...was it that bad? it never looked like anything was wrong...

Harry: ... Key... I know you don't want him to leave... but would you really want him around Sarah after today...?

Sam: ...

meanwhile

Tod: ... it was a whole mess of kids... all of them hurting her...

Key: ... *looks away from Harry* ...I just want Sarah to be safe... i-if this is what it takes, then so be it.

Sarah: ... *looks at the floor*

*they reach the hospital*

meanwhile

Claire: *is rather shocked by the situation* How did no one tell you about this before?

Harry: Alright, come on Sarah. *entering the hospital, telling the secretary what was going on*

Nurse: *takes Sarah by the arm* Okay, follow me, miss.

Sam: ...

meanwhile

Todd: *bitterly* who knows.

Sarah: *passively follows the nurse*

Key: *watches her go* ...?? *feels her phone go off in her pocket, and picks it up* Hello? *goes quiet for a bit as she listens* No, no, you don't understand, I had a family emergency-- *listens again* What do you mean she's...? *goes silent*

meanwhile

Claire: I'll have someone look into that, then, see what went wrong. You won't have to worry about Sarah being bullied anymore. >:/

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Sam: I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry... y-y-you're dad, though... he just...

meanwhile

Todd: He still fights, this time against the handcuffs - a battle he couldn't win, so he snarls in frustration*

Harry: We should tell Sarah and Sam that it's okay now...

Sarah: j-just... sh-shhh...

meanwhile

Key: I'll tell them. D:> *climbs out the window and up onto the roof* The coast is clear, you two, you can come down now... Sarah...? D:>

Sam: Mr. Huntings really... REALLY scared her...

meanwhile

Todd: *he calms down, staring blankly at his shoes*

Harry: *helps hold him*

Key: Oh, I'm not surprised... Thank god you're both alright... *moves over towards her, and speaks quietly* Sarah... Sarah, talk to me...

Sarah: *shakes her head*

Key: ...at least let me see that... *carefully grabs Sarah's hand and lifts it off the wound, and winces a bit when she sees it* okay... we're gonna have to go down to the hospital after this, okay Sarah?

Sarah: *nods wordlessly*

meanwhile

Claire: ...Thank god we got here in time...

Sam: <:( ...

meanwhile

Todd: *still stares blankly* ...

Harry: ... I don't want to think about what could have happened if we got here a minute later...

Key: ....come on, let's get off this roof. *moves over to the edge of the roof and motions for the kids to come over*

Sarah: ... *slowly scoots over towards the edge*

meanwhile

Claire: ... *shakes her head* good thing Sam managed to get to his phone...

Sam: *scoots off with them* ...

meanwhile

Harry: Good thing.

Todd: *quietly* ... I almost killed her...

Claire: ...

Key: *hops down onto the windowsill and back into the room, then holds her hands out to help Sarah*

Sarah: *is helped down, and climbs into the room. she freezes when she sees Todd, staring at him with wide eyes* ...

Key: <:( ... *turns back around to help Sam down*

Sam: *is helped down. He also freezes when he sees Todd, but relaxes a bit when he sees that his father was holding him*

Todd: *he can't bring himself to look at Sarah. He almost killed her. He ALMOST KILLED HER* ...

Harry: Are we okay now, Todd? Is your mind straight again?

Todd: *still silent, he nods, his frown getting heavier*

Sarah: *doesn't move, only stares at him, ready to bolt if he so much as looks at her*

Key: ... *puts an arm around her shoulders, careful not to disturb her injury*

Sarah: *jumps a bit and glances at Key, then goes back to watching Todd* ...

Claire: If we let you out of these handcuffs, will you try anything?

Todd: *quietly* ... no...

Harry: *he walks over to Sarah and puts a hand on her back, rubbing it comfortingly*

Sam: *worried about Sarah* <:C ...

Sarah: *doesn't jump this time, but glances up at Harry* ...

Claire: ... *starts taking the handcuffs off of Todd*

Key: *hugs Sarah tightly to her, rubbing her shoulder with her thumb* ...

Todd: *catches the chair* I'm only trying to HELP YOU! *pushes the chair aside, then flips the table over* RRGH!

Sam: *watches in horror*

meanwhile

Harry: *sprints with Claire to Todd and Key's house - along the way, he quickly called Key* KEY, TODD HASN'T TAKEN HIS MEDICINE AND HE'S TRYING TO KILL SARAH!!

Sarah: !! *bolts towards the stairs, hoping she can reach her room before Todd catches up* SAM, RUN!! D8>

meanwhile

Key: WHAT??! O-OKAY. I'M COMING OVER RIGHT NOW! D8

Coworker: Is everything okay--?

Key: No, No it's not--I have to go! *runs out with no other explanation, sprinting back to her house*

Sam: *runs with Sarah* OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD!!

Todd: *runs after them* STOP!!

meanwhile

Harry: *almost at the house with Claire, huffing and panting from how long he's been running, but doesn't stop*

Sarah: *runs into her room and waits for Sam to get inside as well before slamming the door closed, locking it* H-Help me move something in the way! D8>

meanwhile

Key: *sprints down the street, ignoring the stares she's getting--she just needed to get home. she had picked up Todd's refills in the morning on her way to work, but she had thought he had still had a dose left in the bottle... she prayed Sarah wouldn't have to pay for that mistake*

Todd: *with all his strength, he slams his fists against the door - it cracks*

Sam: DD8 !! *starts trying to move a dresser*

meanwhile

Harry: *makes it with Claire to the house* Oh god...!!

Sarah: D8!! *helps him move it, shoving it in front of the door* Th-that won't hold him--we need to get OUTSIDE! D8> *runs over and opens a window*

meanwhile

Claire: We need to get inside...! *runs up to the front door and tries it--luckily, Sarah had left it unlocked when she came home, and she opens the door*

Key: *runs up to the house, trying to catch her breath* Oh my god, oh my god... D8>

Sam: *he nods wordlessly, screaming silently in his head - more terrified than he had ever felt before - THIS was her father?? This NIGHTMARE of a man??*

Todd: Come on - I'm only trying to help! *still pounding on the door*

meanwhile

Harry: Oh god - Key - oh good, you're here, just - COME ON! *he runs into the house and hears the banging* !! *runs to the source. They find Todd* TODD!!

Todd: *glances at all of them* I'm kind of busy right now - LET ME IN, GODDAMNIT!! D8>

Sarah: *climbs out of the window and onto the roof, holding her hands out to help Sam* Come on!! D:>

meanwhile

Key: Todd--Todd, will you please listen to me??

Claire: *wonders whether a diplomatic approach would even WORK on Todd at this point* ...

Sam: *climbs onto the roof with Sarah* Y-your dad is sc-scary! D8>

meanwhile

Todd: Can't right now! She's getting away! *smashes the door again* She doesn't get it - WHY can't she just come here so I can end all of her suffering??

Harry: Maybe because you're trying to KILL HER! D8>

Todd: YOU ARE NOT A PART OF THIS, SOLDIER-BOY! *smashes the door again - it breaks open* They're not in here! D8<

Harry: *grabs him from behind, locking his arms under Todd's*

Todd: HEY!! D8<

Sarah: H-he's not ALWAYS like that... oh my GOD...

meanwhile

Key: Todd, I need you to STOP, right now and LOOK at me. D:<

Claire: *pulls out a pair of handcuffs to restrain Todd if necessary* ...

Sam: Wuh-well he's scary when he IS like that! Aren't you SCARED to live with him - he forgot to take his medicine ONCE, and now he's trying to kill you! D8>

meanwhile

Todd: *looks over at her* What?? D8<

Harry: *still has him restrained, but nods to Claire when he sees she brought handcuffs*

Sarah: He never forgets... I-I don't know why he did today, but he never does... *looks at Sam* I-I try not to think about it too much...

meanwhile

Key: Do you want to know the best way to fix this, Todd? *pulls out the bottle of medicine* It's right here, Todd. You just need to take these, and everything will be normal again.

Claire: *approaches the two men, and starts handcuffing Todd*

Sam: *notices something* ... Everything's all quiet down there...

meanwhile

Todd: *he stares wordlessly at Key. He never once looks at the pill bottle, but he had heard its rattling. Those pills blinded him. He couldn't give in to them*

Harry: *still restraining him while Claire helps handcuff him*

Key: ...Todd...

Claire: *is nearly finished*

meanwhile

Sarah: ...I'm gonna go look, okay? D-Don't move. *hops back down to the window and back into her room, carefully peering out through the door*

Sam: *waits*

meanwhile

Todd: *he spots Sarah, and suddenly elbows Harry in the chest, escaping from him, then yanks his arm away from Claire. He smashes the door open and tries to go for Sarah's throat, but misses and slashes her arm, right now one of her bruises* NYARGH!!

Harry: TODD!!

Sarah: *cries out in surprise and pain and bolts back out the window, painfully heaving herself back onto the roof and scooting far FAR from the edge, holding a hand over her wound*

meanwhile

Claire: !! *goes after him, grabbing him and holding him back at least long enough for Sarah to get back outside* D:>!!

Key: SARAH!! *runs after him as well and tries to finish putting the handcuffs on him*

Sam: !!! He was still there?? D8>

meanwhile

Todd: *struggles angrily against the two women* STOP!! STOP IT!! I NEED TO GET TO HER!!

Harry: We need to give him his medicine! D8

Sarah: *only nods, gritting her teeth against the sharp pain in her arm. she lifts her hand up slightly to see the damage, then quickly puts it back when she sees the amount of blood covering it*

meanwhile

Key: It's in my pocket, just take it out and give it to him! D:>

Claire: *struggles to hold Todd back*

Sam: *sees all the blood* OH GOD!! OH MY GOD!!

meanwhile

Todd: *still struggling, he lets out a frustrated, angry howl* GHHYYNNRAAAAAAAAUUURRRRHHHH!!

Harry: *quickly takes his pills out of Key;s pocket , takes one out, and shoves it in Todd's open mouth*

Todd: *gags*

Harry: *covers his nose so he has to swallow*

Todd: *does* Nhh-h-hgh...!

Sarah: *sounds like she's on the verge of tears* S-Stop it, y-you're making ME freak out... a-a-and i'm freaked out enough!!

meanwhile

Key: *finally manages to get the handcuffs on him* Good god, Todd...

Claire: *doesn't let go of Todd--she won't until she's sure he's calmed down*

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